"45 is the New 50" When it Comes to Colorectal Cancer Screening 💙

Prolific "Black Panther" star, Chadwick Boseman, died earlier this year after fighting a silent four-year battle against colon cancer. Boseman was only 43 at the time of his death and is among one of many colon cancer cases on the rise among a younger demographic, a concerning trend that has brought the deadly disease to center stage.

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I'm not 50 yet, so should I get screened?

Colon and rectal cancer (aka colorectal cancer or CRC) rates are growing among younger people, according to a new American Cancer Society (ACS) study. Estimates show that approximately 12% of colon cancer cases in the U.S. are among individuals under 50. This latest finding has spurred the U.S. public health task force to update their colon cancer screening guidelines, recommending that the minimum age changes from 50 to 45.

Who is at a higher risk?

The precise cause of colorectal cancer remains unclear; however, some risk factors, including cigarette smoking, a diet of red meat, and heavy alcohol consumption, are strongly linked to the disease. There is also a high risk of contracting the disease in people with genetic cancer syndromes or a family history of colorectal cancer.

In the United States, African Americans have the highest prevalence of colorectal cancer. The risk of contracting the disease is also higher for Ashkenazi Jews. If you have no other risk factors and are in one of those racial groups, your doctor may encourage you to undergo screening before the recommended age of 45.

What are the signs & symptoms of colorectal cancer?

In the early phases, many individuals with colorectal cancer experience no symptoms. Symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the cancer in your large intestine.

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• A sudden change in bowel movements, typically presenting with diarrhea, constipation, or atypical stool consistency

• Rectal bleeding or bloody stools

• Abdominal discomforts, such as cramps, trapped gas, or pain

• Feeling as though your bowels are not empty after evacuation

• Weakness or fatigue

• Unexplained, often rapid, weight loss

How is colorectal cancer diagnosed & treated?

Undergoing a colonoscopy is the "gold standard" for diagnosing colorectal cancer. Each case of colorectal cancer is unique, from the position of your cancer, its stage, and any other underlying health issues. As a result, there are varying approaches to colorectal cancer treatment. Most often, surgery to remove the cancer is required. Other therapies may also be prescribed, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Check out this short informational video on colorectal cancer by Stanford Health Care:

Personally

I eat a high-fiber, mostly plant-based 🌱 diet, no red meat, drink 4 liters of water a day, exercise, and am focused on keeping nutrition simple. I am sharing what works for me and what I routinely recommend to my patients.

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